Ragamuffin cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A large, soft-coated, gentle cat that grew out of the Ragdoll but accepts every colour and pattern; known as a sweet, easygoing lap cat.
Also known as Ragamuffin cat, Ragamuffins, Rag-a-muffin
Quick facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Typical weight | Males up to about 20 lb (9 kg); females up to about 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| Coat length | Long |
| Coat | Soft, dense, silky coat of medium to medium-long length, with a ruff around the neck and face |
| Colours and patterns | Every colour and pattern, with or without white |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2011 |
|---|---|
| How common | Uncommon |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 5 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 2 |
| Playfulness | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 3 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 |
| Happy alone | 2 |
| Trainability | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Ragamuffin sheds a moderate amount, and people who react to cats usually react to it as well. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A family or a home with other pets that wants a large, gentle, affectionate cat and will comb the coat once or twice a week. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A household that wants an athletic, climbing cat, or one that is away from home all day. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- GCCF
- ACFA
About the Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a large, plush cat that began as a variety of the Ragdoll. In the early 1990s some breeders left the registry run by the Ragdoll's creator, Ann Baker. They used carefully chosen domestic longhairs to add new genes for health and vigour, and they called the result the Ragamuffin, a name that links it to its street-cat ancestors. The breed was established as separate in 1994. The CFA took it into its miscellaneous class in 2003 and gave it championship status in 2011.
The body is broad, heavy-boned and substantial, with a rounded head and large eyes, and a flatter top line than the Ragdoll. The coat is soft, dense and silky, often compared to rabbit fur, with a longer ruff. All colours and patterns are accepted, with or without white, and the Ragdoll's pointed pattern is not required.
Temperament and living with one
Ragamuffins are known for a sweet, trusting and docile nature. They want to be with their people, climb onto a lap and follow you around. They are calm and not demanding, and rarely noisy. Some learn to fetch or walk on a harness.
They are generally excellent with children and get on well with dogs and other cats once introduced properly. Because they are so trusting, keep them indoors and introduce new pets with care. They are slow to mature, taking up to four years to reach full size. They enjoy a window seat and a few toys.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat resists tangling and needs combing once or twice a week, with more attention during the seasonal moult. Check behind the ears and under the legs. Bathing is optional. Trim nails and check the teeth and ears.
Like other large, calm cats, Ragamuffins like food, so feed measured meals of a complete adult diet and offer daily play to avoid weight gain. A sturdy cat tree and a big litter tray suit a heavy cat.
Health
The Ragamuffin is generally sturdy, and no breed-specific genetic disease has been identified. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease occur in cats generally, and breeders may test for them, so ask what the parents have been tested for. Keep your cat lean, and ask your vet about heart screening and routine care. Pet insurance is worth considering.
Is it right for you?
Choose a Ragamuffin if you want a big, soft, gentle cat for a family and will brush it weekly. It suits a calm home. It is less suited to a very active household or long hours alone. For the pointed version, look at the Ragdoll, and for a smaller, pointed semi-longhair, the Birman.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026